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Spectrum of EGFR mutation and its relation with high-risk predictors in thyroid cancer in Kashmiri population: 2 years prospective study at a tertiary care hospital. J Egypt Natl Canc Inst 2022; 34:43. [DOI: 10.1186/s43046-022-00139-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
EGFR mutation has not been extensively studied in thyroid cancer. This study was conducted to study spectrum of EGFR mutation in thyroid cancer in Kashmiri population for possible therapeutic purpose.
Methods
It was 2 years prospective cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care center in which histologically confirmed, untreated thyroid cancers were included. These specimens were subjected to EGFR mutation analysis by AS-PCR method.
Results
There were a total 60 patients with preponderance of females [44(73%) vs 16(27%)]. Most were in the age group of less than 45 years (75%). Most of these patients were non-smokers [50(83.3%) vs 10 (17.3%)]. Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) was the commonest type 48(80%), rest was follicular type (FTC) 12(20%). Well-differentiated carcinoma (WDC) was common than poorly differentiated (PDC) [41(68.4%) vs 19 (31.6%)]. Lymph node metastasis and vascular invasion were present in 32 (53.4%) and 17 (28.4%) respectively. Thirty-two (53.3%) patients were having 15 bp deletion in exon 19 of EGFR. These deletions were common in PTC than FTC, 29(60.5%) vs 3(25%) which was statistically significant (p = 0.04, CI = 0.2). The total mutational rate of T790M in EGFR tyrosine kinase domain (exon 20) was found to be only 8.4% (5 of 60). Only 4 (8.3%) of these mutations were detected in PTC and rest in FTC (1 of 12). Twenty-six (43.3%) of exon 21 were positive for L858R mutation in EGFR tyrosine kinase domain. Married persons and PDC were significant predictors of L858R mutation in EGFR tyrosine kinase domain in thyroid cancer as this was statistically significant in them with p = 0.04, 0.03 respectively.
Conclusion
In our population, PTC is common in females with half of population harboring EGFR mutation and it is statistically significant in poorly differentiated carcinoma and in married individuals.
It implies that EGFR may be used in thyroid cancer as a possible therapeutic agent in our set of population.
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Elia G, Ferrari SM, Ragusa F, Paparo SR, Mazzi V, Ulisse S, Benvenga S, Antonelli A, Fallahi P. Advances in pharmacotherapy for advanced thyroid cancer of follicular origin (PTC, FTC). New approved drugs and future therapies. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:599-610. [PMID: 35038965 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2030704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The most common altered signaling found in aggressive iodine-refractory Thyroid cancer derived from follicular cells (RAI-TC) are RTK, MAPK, PI3K, WNT, BRAF, RAS, RET, and TP53. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) are multi-kinase inhibitors able to act against different pathways, that elicit an anti-neoplastic activity. AREAS COVERED The aim of this paper is to review recent novel molecular therapies of RAI-TC. Recently, sorafenib and lenvatinib, have been approved for the treatment of aggressive RAI-TC. Other studies are evaluating vandetanib and selumetinib in RAI-TC. Furthermore, preliminary studies have evaluated dabrafenib, and vemurafenib in BRAF mutated RAI-TC patients to re-induce 131-iodine uptake. The interplay between cells of the immune system and cancer cells can be altered by immune checkpoints inhibitors. The expression of PDL1 in RAI-TC was related to tumor recurrence and poor survival. Several clinical trials are investigating a combination of different therapies, such as lenvatinib and pembrolizumab. EXPERT OPINION Mechanisms of resistance to TKIs inhibitors can be of intrinsic or acquired origin. An acquired resistance to lenvatinib, or sorafenib can be due to upregulation of FGFR; therefore anti-FGFR agents are evaluated. A new strategy is to combine TKIs with immunotherapy. Several studies are evaluating lenvatinib and pembrolizumab in RAI-TC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Elia
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Mazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Experimental Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Master Program on Childhood, Adolescent and Women's Endocrine Health, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Interdepartmental Program of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Women's Endocrine Health, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico 'G. Martino', I-98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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3
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Fallahi P, Ferrari SM, Galdiero MR, Varricchi G, Elia G, Ragusa F, Paparo SR, Benvenga S, Antonelli A. Molecular targets of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in thyroid cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 79:180-196. [PMID: 33249201 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the eighth most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide with a rising incidence in the past 20 years. Surgery is the primary strategy of therapy for patients with medullary TC (MTC) and differentiated TC (DTC). In DTC patients, radioactive iodine (RAI) is administered after thyroidectomy. Neck ultrasound, basal and thyroid-stimulating hormone-stimulated thyroglobulin are generally performed every three to six months for the first year, with subsequent intervals depending on initial risk assessment, for the detection of possible persistent/recurrent disease during the follow up. Distant metastases are present at the diagnosis in ∼5 % of DTC patients; up to 15 % of patients have recurrences during the follow up, with a survival reduction (70 %-50 %) at 10-year. During tumor progression, the iodide uptake capability of DTC cancer cells can be lost, making them refractory to RAI, with a negative impact on the prognosis. Significant advances have been done recently in our understanding of the molecular pathways implicated in the progression of TCs. Several drugs have been developed, which inhibit signaling kinases or oncogenic kinases (BRAFV600E, RET/PTC), such as those associated with Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor. Tyrosine kinase receptors are involved in cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. Several tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are emerging as new treatments for DTC, MTC and anaplastic TC (ATC), and can induce a clinical response and stabilize the disease. Lenvatinib and sorafenib reached the approval for RAI-refractory DTC, whereas cabozantinib and vandetanib for MTC. These TKIs extend median progression-free survival, but do not increase the overall survival. Severe side effects and drug resistance can develop in TC patients treated with TKIs. Additional studies are needed to identify a potential effective targeted therapy for aggressive TCs, according to their molecular characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Martina Ferrari
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Galdiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; World Allergy Organization Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gilda Varricchi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; World Allergy Organization Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Elia
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Rosaria Paparo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Master Program on Childhood, Adolescent and Women's Endocrine Health, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Interdepartmental Program on Molecular & Clinical Endocrinology, and Women's Endocrine Health, University Hospital, A.O.U. Policlinico Gaetano Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Fallahi P, Ferrari SM, Elia G, Ragusa F, Patrizio A, Paparo SR, Marone G, Galdiero MR, Guglielmi G, Foddis R, Cristaudo A, Antonelli A. Primary cell cultures for the personalized therapy in aggressive thyroid cancer of follicular origin. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 79:203-216. [PMID: 32569821 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy. More than 90 % of TC is represented by differentiated TC (DTC) arising from the follicular thyroid cells. DTC includes papillary TC (PTC), follicular TC (FTC), and Hürthle cell TC. Anaplastic TC (ATC) accounts for 1% of TC, and it represents 15-40 % of TC death. Current treatment strategies are not completely effective against aggressive DTC or ATC, and mortality is one of the most important challenges. Recently, progresses have been obtained in the understanding of the molecular/genetic basis of TC progression, and new drugs have been introduced [i.e. tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)], able to block the oncogenic or signaling kinases, associated with cellular growth. Thyroid cell lines, obtained from tumoral cells and chosen for high proliferation in vitro, have been used as preclinical models. Actually, these cells lose the characteristic features of the primary tumor, because they adapt to in vitro growth conditions. For these reasons, the use of these cell lines has important limitations, and more recently human primary cell cultures have been established as monolayer cultures, and investigated for their biological behavior. Moreover, in the past, primary TC cells could be collected only through surgical biopsies, while recently human primary cell cultures can be established also from samples of fine-needle aspiration citology from aggressive dedifferentiated DTC or ATC. Testing in vitro different TKIs in each patient can help to develop new personalized treatments, without using ineffective drugs. In conclusion, personalized medicine and precise oncology, which consider both patients and their disease features, represent the future of the treatment approach, and further progress is needed in this direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Elia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Armando Patrizio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Gianni Marone
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; World Allergy Organization Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Galdiero
- Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; World Allergy Organization Center of Excellence, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology "Gaetano Salvatore", National Research Council, 80131 Naples, Italy; Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Guglielmi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rudy Foddis
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alfonso Cristaudo
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Ferrari SM, Elia G, Ragusa F, Ruffilli I, La Motta C, Paparo SR, Patrizio A, Vita R, Benvenga S, Materazzi G, Fallahi P, Antonelli A. Novel treatments for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Gland Surg 2020; 9:S28-S42. [PMID: 32055496 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2019.10.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the deadliest human cancers and it is less than 2% of thyroid carcinomas (TCs). The standard treatment of ATC includes surgical debulking, accelerated hyperfractionated external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and chemotherapy, in particular with cisplatin or doxorubicin, achieving about 10 months of median survival. Since ATC is a rare and aggressive tumor, it is still challenging to predict the patient clinical therapy responsiveness. Several genetic mutations have been described in ATC, involved in different molecular pathways linked to tumor progression, and novel therapies acting on these molecular pathways have been investigated, to improve the quality of life in these patients. Here we review the new targeted therapy of ATC. We report interesting results obtained with molecules targeting different pathways: angiogenesis (vandetanib, combretastatin, sorafenib, lenvatinib, sunitinib, CLM94, CLM3, etc.); EGFR (gefitinib, docetaxel); BRAF (dabrafenib/trametinib, vemurafenib); PPARγ agonists (rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, efatutazone); PD-1 and PD-L1 (pembrolizumab); TERT. To escape resistance to monotherapies, the evaluation of combination strategies with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drugs is ongoing. The results of clinical trials with dabrafenib and trametinib led to the approval from FDA of this combination for patients with BRAF V600E mutated ATC with locally advanced, unresectable, or metastatic ATC. The anti-PD-L1 antibody immunotherapy, alone or combined with a BRAF inhibitor, has been shown also promising in the treatment of ATC. Furthermore, to increase the therapeutic success and not to use ineffective or even harmful treatments, a real tailored therapy should be pursued, and this can be achieved thanks to the new available genomic analysis methods and to the possibility to test in vitro novel treatments directly in primary cells from each ATC patient. Exploring new treatment strategies is mandatory to improve the survival of these patients, guaranteeing a good quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giusy Elia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ruffilli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Armando Patrizio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Master Program on Childhood, Adolescent and Women's Endocrine Health, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Interdepartmental Program on Molecular & Clinical Endocrinology, and Women's Endocrine Health, University hospital, A.O.U. Policlinico Gaetano Martino, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research of New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Ferrari SM, Fallahi P, La Motta C, Elia G, Ragusa F, Ruffilli I, Patrizio A, Baldini E, Ulisse S, Antonelli A. Recent advances in precision medicine for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2019.1565940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Elia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ruffilli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Armando Patrizio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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7
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Ferrari SM, Fallahi P, Ruffilli I, Elia G, Ragusa F, Paparo SR, Ulisse S, Baldini E, Giannini R, Miccoli P, Antonelli A, Basolo F. Molecular testing in the diagnosis of differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Gland Surg 2018; 7:S19-S29. [PMID: 30175060 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2017.11.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Different genetic mutations and other molecular alterations in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) can be detected in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules, and can be used successfully to ameliorate cancer diagnosis and management of patients with thyroid nodules. The greatest experience has been obtained with the diagnostic use of BRAF mutation that is strongly specific for malignancy when detected using well-validated techniques. The strongest diagnostic result can be obtained testing FNA samples for a panel of mutations that typically involve TERT, BRAF, PAX8/PPARγ, RAS, and RET/PTC. Finding any of these mutations in a thyroid nodule provides strong indication for malignancy and helps to refine clinical management for a significant proportion of patients with indeterminate cytology. The use of molecular markers, as TERT, BRAF, PAX8/PPARγ, RAS, and RET/PTC, may be considered for patients with indeterminate FNA cytology (FNAC) to help guide management. In patients with indeterminate TIR3 FNA, the combination of precise molecular marker expression analysis with molecular mutations evaluations could ameliorate significantly the accuracy of cancer diagnosis. However other prospective studies are needed to identify more accurate molecular markers. Finally, the knowledge of these molecular pathways has permitted the development of new targeted therapies for aggressive TC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ruffilli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giusy Elia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Giannini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Miccoli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Fallahi P, Ruffilli I, Elia G, Ragusa F, Ulisse S, Baldini E, Miccoli M, Materazzi G, Antonelli A, Ferrari SM. Novel treatment options for anaplastic thyroid cancer. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2017; 12:279-288. [PMID: 30058884 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2017.1340155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Several genetic alterations have been identified in different molecular pathways ofanaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) and associated with tumor aggressiveness and progression (BRAF, p53,RAS, EGFR, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, etc). New drugs targeting these molecular pathways have beenrecently evaluated in ATC. Areas covered: We review the new targeted therapies of ATC. Interesting results have been reported with molecules targeting different pathways, as: a-BRAF (dabrafenib/trametinib, vemurafenib); b-angiogenesis (sorafenib, combretastatin, vandetanib, sunitinib, lenvatinib, CLM3, etc); c-EGFR (gefitinib); d- PPARγ agonists (rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, efatutazone). In patients with ATC treated with lenvatinib, a median overall survival of 10.6 (3.8-19.8) months was reported. In order to bypass the resistance to the single drug, the capability of targeted drugs to synergize with radiation, or chemotherapy, or other targeted drugs is explored. Expert commentary: New, affordable and individual genomic analysis combined with the opportunity to test these new treatments in primary cell cultures from every ATC patient in vitro, may permit the personalization of therapy. Increasing the therapeutic effectiveness and avoiding the use of ineffective drugs. The identification of new treatments is necessary, to extend life duration guaranteing a good quality of life. To bypass the resistance to asingle drug, the capability of targeted drugs to synergize with radiation, or chemotherapy, or othertargeted drugs is explored. Moreover, new affordable individual genomic analysis and the opportunity totest these novel treatments in primary cell cultures from every ATC patient in vitro, might permit topersonalize the therapy, increasing the therapeutic effectiveness and avoiding the use of ineffectivedrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poupak Fallahi
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Ilaria Ruffilli
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Giusy Elia
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- b Department of Experimental Medicine , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- b Department of Experimental Medicine , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Mario Miccoli
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- c Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- a Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine , University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
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9
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Antonelli A, La Motta C. Novel therapeutic clues in thyroid carcinomas: The role of targeting cancer stem cells. Med Res Rev 2017; 37:1299-1317. [PMID: 28586525 DOI: 10.1002/med.21448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid carcinomas (TCs), the most common endocrine tumors, represent the eighth most common cancer diagnosed worldwide in both women and men. To treat these malignancies, several drugs are now available and a number of novel ones have been enrolling in clinical trials, addressing both oncogenic pathways in cancer cells and angiogenic pathways in tumor endothelial cells. However, their use is not devoid of serious toxicities and their efficacy is limited, being dependent on carcinoma typology and the occurrence of acquired resistance. Accordingly, it is time to recast therapeutic strategies against these types of tumors to get to newer and fully effective drugs. In this perspective, latest findings demonstrate that cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a challenging target to strike. They possess core traits of self-renewal and differentiation, being resistant to the effects of chemotherapy and radiation and playing a key role in mediating metastasis. Therefore, basic molecular elements sustaining both development of thyroid cancer stem cells and their residence in the stemness condition represent a set of innovative and still unexplored targets to address. In this review, a thorough literature survey has been accomplished, to take stock of mechanisms governing thyroid carcinomas and to point out both their currently available treatments and the novel forthcoming ones. Pubmed, Scifinder and ClinicalTrials.gov were exploited as research applications and registry database, respectively. Original articles, reviews, and editorials published within the last ten years, as well as open clinical investigations in the field, were analyzed to suggest new exciting therapeutic opportunities for people affected by TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Antonelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Concettina La Motta
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126, Pisa, Italy
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10
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Zhang M, Zhang X, Zhao S, Wang Y, Di W, Zhao G, Yang M, Zhang Q. Prognostic value of survivin and EGFR protein expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Target Oncol 2015; 9:349-57. [PMID: 24233638 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-013-0300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particular type of breast cancer which is characterized by its biological aggressiveness, worse prognosis, and lack of prognostic markers or therapeutic targets in contrast with hormonal receptor-positive and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) breast cancers. We aimed to evaluate survivin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and their prognostic value and determine their relationships with the clinicopathological parameters of TNBC. A total of 136 patients who had undergone a resection of primary TNBC were enrolled at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from March 2003 to September 2005. Expression of ER, PR, HER2, EGFR, and survivin was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The association of TNBC and other clinicopathological variables and the prognostic value of survivin and EGFR expression were evaluated. Survivin was expressed in 62 (45.6 %) cases and EGFR was expressed in 82 (60.3 %) cases. Survivin expression was associated with menopausal status (P = 0.011), tumor size (P = 0.037), and lymph node status (P = 0.001). EGFR expression was associated with menopausal status (P = 0.029), lymph node status (P = 0.004), P53 expression (P = 0.001), Ki-67 expression (P = 0.028), and lymphatic vascular invasion (P = 0.037). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that tumor size (hazard ratio (HR) 1.587, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.081–2.330, P = 0.018 for disease-free survival (DFS); HR 1.606, 95%CI 1.096–2.354, P = 0.015 for overall survival (OS)), lymph node status (HR 2.873, 95%CI 1.544–5.344, P = 0.001 for DFS; HR 2.915, 95%CI 1.553–5.471, P = 0.001 for OS), tumor grade (HR 1.914, 95%CI 1.218–3.007, P = 0.005 for DFS; HR 1.983, 95%CI 1.228–3.203, P = 0.005 for OS), EGFR (HR 3.008, 95%CI 1.331–6.792, P = 0.008 for DFS; HR 3.151, 95%CI 1.374–7.226, P = 0.007 for OS), and survivin (HR 1.573, 95%CI 1.087–2.277, P = 0.016 for DFS; HR 1.607, 95%CI 1.088–2.374, P = 0.017 for OS) were of prognostic significance for disease-free and overall survival. We draw a conclusion from the present study that survivin and EGFR expression are useful prognostic markers of TNBC and might be useful for molecular targeting therapy of TNBC treatment.
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Fallahi P, Di Bari F, Ferrari SM, Spisni R, Materazzi G, Miccoli P, Benvenga S, Antonelli A. Selective use of vandetanib in the treatment of thyroid cancer. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2015; 9:3459-70. [PMID: 26170630 PMCID: PMC4498730 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s72495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vandetanib is a once-daily orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by blocking RET (REarranged during Transfection), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR-2, VEGFR-3), and epidermal growth factor receptor and to a lesser extent VEGFR-1, which are important targets in thyroid cancer (TC). It is emerging as a potentially effective option in the treatment of advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and in dedifferentiated papillary thyroid cancer not responsive to radioiodine. The most important effect of vandetanib in aggressive MTC is a prolongation of progression-free survival and a stabilization of the disease. Significant side effects have been observed with the vandetanib therapy (as fatigue, hypertension, QTc prolongation, cutaneous rash, hand-and-foot syndrome, diarrhea, etc), and severe side effects can require the suspension of the drug. Several studies are currently under way to evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerability of vandetanib in MTC and in dedifferentiated papillary TC. The efficacy of vandetanib in patients with MTC in long-term treatments could be overcome by the resistance to the drug. However, the effectiveness of the treatment could be ameliorated by the molecular characterization of the tumor and by the possibility to test the sensitivity of primary TC cells from each subject to different tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Association studies are evaluating the effect of the association of vandetanib with other antineoplastic agents (such as irinotecan, bortezomib, etc). Further research is needed to determine the ideal therapy to obtain the best response in terms of survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Flavia Di Bari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Spisni
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Miccoli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Antonelli A, Fallahi P, Ulisse S, Ferrari SM, Mazzi V, Domenicantonio AD, Miccoli P. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the therapy of anaplastic thyroid cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINE ONCOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/ije.15.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is often incurable so new therapeutic approaches are needed. Tyrosine kinases inhibitors (such as imanitib, sunitinib or sorafenib) are under evaluation for the treatment of ATC. Other vascular disrupting agents, such as combretastatin A4 phosphate, and antiangiogenic agents, such as aplidin, PTK787/ZK222584 and human VEGF monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab, cetuximab), have been evaluated. Small-molecule adenosine triphosphate competitive inhibitors directed intracellularly at EGFRs tyrosine kinase, such as erlotinib or gefitinib, are also studied. Furthermore, new molecules have been shown to be active against ATC, such as CLM94 and CLM3. However, more research is needed to finally identify therapies able to control and to cure this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Martina Ferrari
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Mazzi
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Domenicantonio
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Miccoli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology & Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
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13
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Fallahi P, Mazzi V, Vita R, Ferrari SM, Materazzi G, Galleri D, Benvenga S, Miccoli P, Antonelli A. New therapies for dedifferentiated papillary thyroid cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:6153-82. [PMID: 25789503 PMCID: PMC4394525 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16036153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of thyroid cancers is increasing. Standard treatment usually includes primary surgery, thyroid-stimulating hormone suppressive therapy, and ablation of the thyroid remnant with radioactive iodine (RAI). Despite the generally good prognosis of thyroid carcinoma, about 5% of patients will develop metastatic disease, which fails to respond to RAI, exhibiting a more aggressive behavior. The lack of specific, effective and well-tolerated drugs, the scarcity of data about the association of multi-targeting drugs, and the limited role of radioiodine for dedifferentiated thyroid cancer, call for further efforts in the field of new drugs development. Rearranged during transfection (RET)/papillary thyroid carcinoma gene rearrangements, BRAF (B-RAF proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase) gene mutations, RAS (rat sarcoma) mutations, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 angiogenesis pathways are some of the known pathways playing a crucial role in the development of thyroid cancer. Targeted novel compounds have been demonstrated to induce clinical responses and stabilization of disease. Sorafenib has been approved for differentiated thyroid cancer refractory to RAI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Valeria Mazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Roberto Vita
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti, 1, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Silvia Martina Ferrari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - David Galleri
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Piazza Pugliatti, 1, 98122 Messina, Italy.
| | - Paolo Miccoli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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14
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Ferrari SM, Fallahi P, Politti U, Materazzi G, Baldini E, Ulisse S, Miccoli P, Antonelli A. Molecular Targeted Therapies of Aggressive Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:176. [PMID: 26635725 PMCID: PMC4653714 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) that arise from follicular cells account >90% of thyroid cancer (TC) [papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) 90%, follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) 10%], while medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) accounts <5%. Complete total thyroidectomy is the treatment of choice for PTC, FTC, and MTC. Radioiodine is routinely recommended in high-risk patients and considered in intermediate risk DTC patients. DTC cancer cells, during tumor progression, may lose the iodide uptake ability, becoming resistant to radioiodine, with a significant worsening of the prognosis. The lack of specific and effective drugs for aggressive and metastatic DTC and MTC leads to additional efforts toward the development of new drugs. Several genetic alterations in different molecular pathways in TC have been shown in the past few decades, associated with TC development and progression. Rearranged during transfection (RET)/PTC gene rearrangements, RET mutations, BRAF mutations, RAS mutations, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 angiogenesis pathways are some of the known pathways determinant in the development of TC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are small organic compounds inhibiting tyrosine kinases auto-phosphorylation and activation, most of them are multikinase inhibitors. TKIs act on the aforementioned molecular pathways involved in growth, angiogenesis, local, and distant spread of TC. TKIs are emerging as new therapies of aggressive TC, including DTC, MTC, and anaplastic thyroid cancer, being capable of inducing clinical responses and stabilization of disease. Vandetanib and cabozantinib have been approved for the treatment of MTC, while sorafenib and lenvatinib for DTC refractory to radioiodine. These drugs prolong median progression-free survival, but until now no significant increase has been observed on overall survival; side effects are common. New efforts are made to find new more effective and safe compounds and to personalize the therapy in each TC patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Politti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Materazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Miccoli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Correspondence: Alessandro Antonelli,
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15
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Fallahi P, Ferrari SM, Mazzi V, Vita R, Benvenga S, Antonelli A. Personalization of targeted therapy in advanced thyroid cancer. Curr Genomics 2014; 15:190-202. [PMID: 24955027 PMCID: PMC4064559 DOI: 10.2174/1389202915999140404101902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although generally the prognosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is good, approximately 5% of people are likely to develop metastases which fail to respond to radioactive iodine, and other traditional therapies, exhibiting a more aggressive behavior. Nowadays, therapy is chosen and implemented on a watch-and-wait basis for most DTC patients. Which regimen is likely to work best is decided on the basis of an individual's clinical information, but only data referring to outcomes of groups of patients are employed. To predict the best course of therapy, an individual patient's biologic data is rarely employed in a systematic way. Anyway, the use of not expensive individual genomic analysis could lead us to a new era of patient-specific and personalized care. Recently, key targets that are now being evaluated in the clinical setting have been evidenced in the pathogenesis of these diseases. Some of the known genetic alterations playing a crucial role in the development of thyroid cancer include B-Raf gene mutations, rearranged during transfection/ papillary thyroid carcinoma gene rearrangements, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 angiogenesis pathways. The development of targeted novel compounds able to induce clinical responses and stabilization of disease has overcome the lack of effective therapies for DTC, which are resistant to radioiodine and thyroid stimulating hormone-suppressive therapy. Interestingly, the best responses have been demonstrated in patients treated with anti-angiogenic inhibitors such as vandetanib and XL184 in medullary thyroid cancer, and sorafenib in papillary and follicular DTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Mazzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Vita
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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16
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Sartini S, Coviello V, Bruno A, La Pietra V, Marinelli L, Simorini F, Taliani S, Salerno S, Marini AM, Fioravanti A, Orlandi P, Antonelli A, Da Settimo F, Novellino E, Bocci G, La Motta C. Structure-Based Optimization of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor CLM3. Design, Synthesis, Functional Evaluation, and Molecular Modeling Studies. J Med Chem 2014; 57:1225-35. [DOI: 10.1021/jm401358b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Sartini
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vito Coviello
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Agostino Bruno
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesca Simorini
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Marini
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Fioravanti
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Orlandi
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Guido Bocci
- Dipartimento
di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Università di Pisa, Via Roma 55, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Istituto Toscano Tumori, Via T.
Alderotti 26N, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Concettina La Motta
- Dipartimento
di Farmacia, Università di Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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17
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Fisher KE, Jani JC, Fisher SB, Foulks C, Hill CE, Weber CJ, Cohen C, Sharma J. Epidermal growth factor receptor overexpression is a marker for adverse pathologic features in papillary thyroid carcinoma. J Surg Res 2013; 185:217-24. [PMID: 23746767 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression (EGFR-H) is implicated in thyroid carcinoma disease progression; however, the clinicopathologic significance of EGFR-H in tumors that harbor EGFR and/or v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF)(V600E) mutations is unknown. METHODS Tissue microarrays from 81 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy for carcinoma from 2002-2011 were scored for EGFR expression using immunohistochemistry. Somatic mutations in EGFR exons 19 and 21 and BRAF were analyzed. Correlations between the EGFR immunohistochemistry, EGFR, and BRAF(V600E) mutations and the clinicopathologic features were assessed. RESULTS EGFR-H was detected in 39.5% of carcinomas (n = 32) from patients with papillary (PTC, 46.2%, n = 18), follicular (29.6%, n = 8), and anaplastic (100.0%, n = 6) but not medullary (0.0%, n = 9) thyroid carcinoma. BRAF(V600E) mutations were identified in 22.2% of the carcinoma cases (n = 18, 15 PTCs and 3 anaplastic thyroid carcinomas). No somatic EGFR mutations were detected in any subtype. On PTC univariate analysis, EGFR-H correlated with increasing stage, extrathyroid extension, tumor capsule invasion, adverse pathologic features (any demonstration of extrathyroid extension, tumor capsule invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and/or distant metastasis), and BRAF(V600E) mutations. On multivariate analysis, EGFR-H correlated with BRAF(V600E) mutations. In BRAF wild-type PTCs, the correlation between EGFR-H and adverse pathologic features approached statistical significance (P = 0.065). CONCLUSIONS EGFR-H could be an important biomarker for aggressive PTCs, particularly in BRAF wild-type PTCs. Despite EGFR-H in PTC, follicular thyroid carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma by immunohistochemistry, somatic EGFR mutations were absent. Therefore, future investigations of EGFR should consider histologic and immunohistochemical methods, in addition to molecular profiling of thyroid carcinomas. This multimodal approach is particularly important for future clinical trials testing anti-EGFR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin E Fisher
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
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